Beibis Mendoza: The Explosive Colombian Boxing Sensation
Beibis Antonio Mendoza Polo, nicknamed “Candela,” is a Colombian former light-flyweight world champion. Born in Arboletes on June 20, 1974, he represented Colombia at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics before turning professional later that year.
Video note: The clip is labeled as the Mendoza–Rosendo Álvarez fight. Their first meeting was for the vacant WBA light-flyweight title in August 2000.
A Title Won by Disqualification
On August 12, 2000, Mendoza met Rosendo Álvarez for the vacant WBA light-flyweight title after the WBA stripped Pichit Chor Siriwat. The referee disqualified Álvarez in the seventh round for repeated low blows, making Mendoza champion. It was a controversial finish, but the result gave Mendoza the title.
Álvarez won their March 3, 2001 rematch by split decision and won the championship. The rivals met again in 2003 and 2004; Álvarez won both bouts, by majority decision and split decision, respectively. Mendoza’s first win over Álvarez therefore remained his only victory in their four-fight rivalry.
Later Title Challenges
Mendoza continued competing after losing the belt. On April 29, 2005, he challenged Panama’s Roberto Vásquez for the vacant WBA light-flyweight title and was stopped by knockout in the tenth round. That was Mendoza’s final professional bout.
His Olympic appearance and brief world-title reign remain the defining milestones of a career that began in Colombia’s amateur ranks and reached the WBA championship stage.
Sources
Sources: World Boxing Association: Mendoza’s profile and professional record; Olympedia: Atlanta 1996 results and later professional world title.
Tags
Boxing, Boxing History
